The Citadel - Tower of David, Jerusalem
Citadel (Tower of David)
by antistar Updated Feb 26, 2014
HelpfulnessThe Citadel combines a museum, an archeological site, and some of the best views you will get of the Old City anywhere in Jerusalem. All together they make the Citadel an unmissable part of any visit.
The museum is fascinating, and charts the 4000 years of the cities existence. Being one of the oldest and most fought over cities on the planet, you can believe it is one of the best and most interesting city museums you will ever see. The exhibits are broken up into different eras, located in different parts of the citadel. One of the most curious exhibits was in section containing exhibits from the Islamic era.
Here an Islamic painting of Mohammad's last journey to the Al Aqsa mosque had had the face of Mohammad obscured by a sticker. I wasn't sure if this was done out of sensitivity to Muslim feelings, as it is generally considered an offense in Islam to display an image of Mohammad, or if it was done as some ironic statement, because this was an Islamic painting depicting Mohammad, and my visit was only some months after the protests against the Danish comics painting Mohammad.
The site has been built and rebuilt many times since its first construction, around the time of the First Temple between 1000 and 500BC. The Romans used it as a barracks, the Muslims constructed a fortress here which withstood the assaults of the Crusaders until their surrender. The place was destroyed and rebuilt by the Mamluks, before finally the Ottomans added decorations, including the minaret.
Finally the views from the top of the citadel are fantastic.
Tower of David
by Jim_Eliason Updated Jan 3, 2014HelpfulnessThe Citadel of Jerusalem dates from the 2nd century BC and has been used for defensive purposes up through the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Today it's a museum that not only preserves the fortification but also tells the story of the different ages of the city.Related to:
- Castles and Palaces
- Historical Travel
- Museum Visits
The Citadel/Tower of David Museum
by leffe3 Updated Jan 29, 2012HelpfulnessLocated just inside the walls of the Old City at Jaffa Gate, the Tower of David Museum represents a microcosm of Jerusalem's history: it is now a museum to just that.
Originally built by Herod, the original palace was destroyed in the Great Revolt of 66AD. 250 years later the Byzantines mistook the ruins for King David's palace (hence the name) and promptly built a new fortress on the site. Changing hands over the centuries (Muslim, Crusader, Ottoman), the present site took its form in 14th century.
Restored and rennovated relatively recently, its a fascinating museum, providing much insight into the 3000 year history of the city as well as hosting international artists' exhibitions throughout the grounds - a recent Chihuly exhibition attracted more than 1 million visitors and, as a result, is one the world's most successful exhibitions. During the summer months, there are also a number of concerts arranged. There are also great views to had across the rooftops of the Old City.
A "Night Spectacular' sound and light show is now on offer.
Entrance Fees:
NIS 30 (adults) NIS 20 (students) NIS 15 (Children & seniors)
NIS 80 (Family Ticket of 2 adults and any number of children)
Opening times:
Saturday - Thursday: 10am - 5pm
Friday: 10am - 2pmRelated to:
- Historical Travel
- Archeology
- Museum Visits
Museum of the History of Jerusalem
by Kuznetsov_Sergey Updated Mar 15, 2010HelpfulnessThe Tower of David museum depicts more than 3000 years of history of Jerusalem, using advanced museum technology and displays that relate the history in a chronological manner. The museum allows the visitor to revisit Jerusalem’s history, to relive it, and to leave the Citadel with a clear overview of the city past. The breathtaking views on Jerusalem old and new, the archeological gardens, and the special atmosphere of the place all add up to an unforgettable experience.
Opening hours
sun 10:00-16:00
mon 10:00-16:00
tue 10:00-16:00
wed 10:00-16:00
thu 10:00-16:00
fri closed
sat 10:00-14:00
holidays 10:00-14:00
Admission
Adult: 30 NIS. Child: 15NIS. Student: 20 NISRelated to:
- Architecture
- Museum Visits
- Historical Travel
Tower of David
by Kuznetsov_Sergey Written Mar 15, 2010HelpfulnessThe Tower of David is an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City. Built to strengthen a strategically weak point in the Old City's defenses, the citadel was constructed during the second century BCE and subsequently destroyed and rebuilt by, in succession, the Christian, Muslim, Mamluk, and Ottoman conquerors of Jerusalem.
The current tower was built during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It is called the Tower of David because the foundations of the tower go back to King David's times with the building of the first tower on the site, as described in the Bible.Related to:
- Architecture
Come for the views...stay for the museum!
by wilocrek Written Apr 10, 2009HelpfulnessThe Tower of David is a wonderful place to visit, not only for its panoramic views of the Old City but also for its very detailed museum that goes into great detail about the history of Jerusalem. There is an admittance fee (about $6 US) and there is also a light and sound show at night (check with them for day and times) From the top of the tower you can just about all of the Old City...from left to right you can take in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, just to name a view. It is worth the admission fee just for the view and the photo opportunities that come with it. The Tower of David is located right inside the Jaffa Gate.
The Tower of David
by freddie18 Updated Apr 5, 2009HelpfulnessThe Tower of David is an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. It was built to strengthen a strategically weak point in the Old City's defenses.
Also enlightening is a climb to the towers and ramps in order to look down at the archaeological garden. Turning one's gaze outside results in a magnificent view of the old city. At night this is very impressive: Jerusalem's monuments, including the Citadel itself, are placed in floodlights.
I took the picture many years ago. I am sure there must be changes in and around the citadel. I have yet to add more tips when that happens.Related to:
- Seniors
- Religious Travel
- Family Travel
The Citadel (Tower of David)
by Robmj Written Oct 3, 2008HelpfulnessRelated to:The citadel is a series of fortifications that protected the old city from the second century BC.
Inside, the Tower of David is one of the most beautiful and original locations for a museum anywhere in the world.
It has a great collection of items and artifacts covering a 4,000 year history of Jerusalem.
You must visit this place. When I visited, I was asked if I could check my "gun" in. A bit of a surprise for a lad from New Zealand, but many did, ah yes, Jerusalem!- Historical Travel
- Religious Travel
'Soundscapes'
by FruitLover Updated Mar 7, 2008HelpfulnessThe Tower of David has its own sound, blended from its stones, its beauty, its past. It is a sound that shifts with time and season and changes of light, offering a fresh encounter with ancient citadel.
"Soundscapes" was a musical installation that brought together - for the first time anywhere - an archeological site with music, design and technology. Computer controlled mechanical arms played dozens of musical instruments, created especially for the citadel, each offering its own unique sound.
The music was inspired by the site and composed especially for it. The composer's score combined with the the choices of a computer working within predetermined parameters. The result was a work that mixes the acoustic sounds of instruments with simultaneous computerized rearrangements of these sound.
When visiting Jerusalem - check this site. Most of the year you'll find some special show there.Related to:
- Museum Visits
- Castles and Palaces
Tower of David
by traveloturc Written Feb 29, 2008HelpfulnessThe Tower of David (Hebrew,Migdal David) is an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Built to strengthen a strategically weak point in the Old City's defenses, the citadel was constructed during the second century BC and subsequently destroyed and rebuilt by, in succession, the Christian, Muslim, Mamluk, and Ottoman conquerors of Jerusalem. It contains important archeological finds dating back 2,700 years.
In 1187, Sultan Salahaddin captured the city and the site. The Mamluks destroyed it in 1260 and later rebuilt it. The citadel was rebuilt yet again between 1537-1541 by the Ottomans, who designed an impressive entrance, behind which stood a cannon emplacement. For 400 years, the citadel served as a garrison for Turkish troops. The Ottomons also installed a mosque at the site and added the minaret, which still stands today. It was during this time that the complex began to be called the "Tower of David," after the founder-king of Jerusalem.
After the defeat of the Prussians and their Ottoman allies in World War I General Allenby declared the British capture of Jerusalem on the platform outside the entrance to the Tower of DavidRelated to:
- Historical Travel
The Citadel Light and Music Show
by WorldMeet2008 Updated Jul 25, 2007HelpfulnessFrom scpinmd's page:
"The Citadel is one of Jerusalem's most famous sites. It used to be Herod's palace back in the 1st century.
... We went in and were surprised to find out a light and music show was about to happen. Well, we had no clue what to expect and I am not one fond of mixing modern and historic, but this worked. It was the coolest thing I had seen in a long time! There were drums and huge guitars playing with subdued lighting that moved in time to the music. Trust me, it was not cheesy at all."![Inside Tower of David [photo by scpinmd]](http://cdn4.vtourist.com/9/3559108-The_Citadel_Light_and_Music_Show-Jerusalem.jpg)
The Citadel Light and Music Show
by scpinmd Updated Jun 17, 2007HelpfulnessThe Citadel is one of Jerusalem's most famous sites. It used to be Herod's palace back in the 1st century.
My niece and I had been trying to get into The Citadel but it was always closed. One night as we were heading back to the Lutheran Guest House we noticed it was open. We went in and were surprised to find out a light and music show was about to happen. Well, we had no clue what to expect and I am not one fond of mixing modern and historic, but this worked. It was the coolest thing I had seen in a long time! There were drums and huge guitars playing with subdued lighting that moved in time to the music. Trust me, it was not cheesy at all. Unfortunately, it began to rain so we were only able to enjoy 20 minutes of the show because they shut it down if it rains. The helpful people at the desk told us to get the tickets verified by a manager so they could be used again at a later date. We did and my niece kept them so she could take some friends along to enjoy this beautiful show.
Note: had I seen this in the daylight, I may not have felt the same way...
These exhibitions change, so I do not know how long this show will be featured. We were there March 2007.Related to:
- Arts and Culture
- Historical Travel
- Architecture
Gate of Tower of David Citadel
by FruitLover Updated Jan 28, 2007HelpfulnessAt this gate of The Tower of David Citadel, General Allenby proclaimed the capture of Jerusalem by British and allied forces on December 1917.
The Tower of David Museum is located here, in the restored ancient Citadel which first constructed 2,000 years ago by Herod.
You can face here historical events and monuments related to Cana'anites and Hebrews, Greeks and Romans, Crusaders, Muslims, Turks, British, and Israelis, along the panoramic route with its views of the city.Related to:
- Historical Travel
- Architecture
The Citadel
by roamer61 Updated Sep 22, 2006HelpfulnessThis important structure in the old city incorporates elements from several major periods. City of David, Roman, Crusader and Ottoman. The minaret is obviously Ottoman while several of the gates are much earlier. An on-site museum describes the history of Jersalem and the Citadel, with emphasis on each of the different time periods.Related to:
- Archeology
- Historical Travel
- Architecture
David's Citadel
by ophiro Updated Jun 21, 2006HelpfulnessDavid's Citadel (in hebrew it is Metsudat david) is a museum for Jerusalem's history.
Here you will be able to learn about Jerusalem over the years.
Entrance will cost you :
Adult - 30 nis
Senior or student - 20 nisRelated to:
- Family Travel
- Castles and Palaces
- Museum Visits
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